Strong Families, Strong Children (SFSC)

Strong Families, Strong Children (SFSC)

Orange County is home to over 33,000 veteran households with minor dependent children (VA, 2017), not including Guard, Reserves, and active-duty service members. As veterans return home and transition into civilian life, some with PTSD, substance abuse, mental health, and financial challenges, the impact on the entire family can be devastating. The Strong Families, Strong Children (SFSC) Program was developed in 2015 as a response to the growing and unmet need for comprehensive and coordinated care for veteran and military- connected children and families who reside in Orange County. SFSC is made up of five non-profit organizations, Child Guidance Center, Children and Family Futures, Families Forward, Human Options and Veteran’s Legal Institute, and is staffed by peers and clinical staff with lived military experience who provide children’s mental health services, housing, domestic violence support services, legal services, family clinical services, and evaluation support. SFSC’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of veteran families by engaging the community, building resiliency, and creating safer, more stable home environments. www.ocstrongfamilies.org

What is the “Month of the Military Child”?

Military connected children make up a very special part of our nation's population. Although young, these brave sons and daughters stand in steadfast support of their military connected parents. As they face challenges and circumstances unique to their lives—such as navigating multiple moves and schools, shouldering repeated deployments of a parent to their family’s transition from military to civilian life—these children are examples of resilience in the military community. To honor their unique contributions and sacrifices on behalf of our country, each April is designated the Month of the Military Child.

Month of the Military Child Celebration – Presented by Strong Families, Strong Children (SFSC) and the Orange County Veterans & Military Families Collaborative (OCVMFC)

To honor and celebrate all children with parents who have served or are currently serving in the military, all military-connected families are invited to attend the 6 Annual Month of the Military Child Celebration on Saturday, April 29, 2023. This will be an in-person event at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos, CA.

· Attached is the flyer for the 2023 6Annual Month of the Military Child Celebration, as well as information on how individuals/agencies can help support this special event.

· The Eventbrite registration is open to all military connected children/families/attendees that would like to attend: bit.ly/MOMCC23

Orange County Veterans & Military Families Collaborative (OCVMFC)

The mission of the Orange County Veterans & Military Families Collaborative is to serve as a bridge connecting veterans, active duty and reserve service members, and military family members to quality benefits, services, and opportunities within the community of Orange County, California. OCVMFC has an established subcommittee focused on children and families

that respond to the special needs of children in Veteran and military-connected families. www.ocvmfc.info

Have you or a family member served In Military ?

Orange County Community Foundation, 211 OC and Orange County Veteran & Military Families Collaborative (OCVMFC) have partnered together to launch the “Ask the Questions” campaign to encourage healthcare agencies, social service organizations, and other groups, organizations, and agencies to ask or add these two questions on their intake forms.

If you are interested in learning more about the Strong Families, Strong Children program, the OCVMFC and the “Ask the Questions” please reach out to Mitzi Huff, SFSC Lead Peer Navigator at mhuff@cgcinc.org